Central Venous Catheters ESPEN

Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Clinical Nutrition
journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/clnu
ESPEN Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition: Central Venous Catheters

(access, care, diagnosis and therapy of complications)
Mauro Pittiruti a, Helen Hamilton b, Roberto Bif c, John MacFie d, Marek Pertkiewicz e
a
Catholic University Hospital, Roma, Italy

John Radcliffe Inrmary, Oxford, United Kingdom
c
Division of Abdomino-Pelvic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
d
Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough, United Kingdom
e
Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
b
a r t i c l e i n f o
s u m m a r y
Article history:
Received 4 February 2009
Accepted 31 March 2009
When planning parenteral nutrition (PN), the proper choice, insertion, and nursing of the venous access
are of paramount importance. In hospitalized patients, PN can be delivered through short-term, nontunneled central venous catheters, through peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), or for limited
period of time and with limitation in the osmolarity and composition of the solution through
peripheral venous access devices (short cannulas and midline catheters). Home PN usually requires PICCs
or if planned for an extended or unlimited time long-term venous access devices (tunneled catheters
and totally implantable ports).
The most appropriate site for central venous access will take into account many factors, including the
patients conditions and the relative risk of infective and non-infective complications associated with
each site. Ultrasound-guided venepuncture is strongly recommended for access to all central veins. For
parenteral nutrition, the ideal position of the catheter tip is between the lower third of the superior cava
vein and the upper third of the right atrium; this should preferably be checked during the procedure.
Catheter-related bloodstream infection is an important and still too common complication of parenteral
nutrition. The risk of infection can be reduced by adopting cost-effective, evidence-based interventions
such as proper education and specic training of the staff, an adequate hand washing policy, proper
choices of the type of device and the site of insertion, use of maximal barrier protection during insertion,
use of chlorhexidine as antiseptic prior to insertion and for disinfecting the exit site thereafter, appropriate policies for the dressing of the exit site, routine changes of administration sets, and removal of
central lines as soon as they are no longer necessary.
Most non-infective complications of central venous access devices can also be prevented by appropriate,
standardized protocols for line insertion and maintenance. These too depend on appropriate choice of
device, skilled implantation and correct positioning of the catheter, adequate stabilization of the device
(preferably avoiding stitches), and the use of infusion pumps, as well as adequate policies for ushing
and locking lines which are not in use.
2009 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Guidelines
Evidence-based
Clinical practice
Parenteral nutrition
Central venous access
Venous access devices
Midline catheters
PICC
Central venous catheters
Totally implantable ports
Tunneled catheters
Peripheral parenteral nutrition
Home parenteral nutrition
Ultrasound guidance
Catheter-related bloodstream infection
Needle-free connectors
Chlorhexidine
Antibiotic lock therapy
Exchange over guide wire
Heparin lock
Sutureless securing devices
Catheter-related venous thrombosis
Pinch-off syndrome
Fibrin sleeve
General recommendations about the indications for and the

use of the different types of venous access devices available
for parenteral nutrition
1. What is the role of peripheral parenteral nutrition?
Central venous access (i.e.,venous access which allows delivery
of nutrients directly into the superior vena cava or the right
E-mail address: espenjournals@espen.org.
atrium) is needed in most patients who are candidates for

parenteral nutrition (PN).
In some situations however PN may be safely delivered by
peripheral access (short cannula or midline catheter), as when
using a solution with low osmolarity, with a substantial
proportion of the non-protein calories given as lipid.
It is recommended (Grade C) that peripheral PN (given through
a short peripheral cannula or through a midline catheter) should
be used only for a limited period of time, and only when using
nutrient solutions whose osmolarity does not exceed 850 mOsm/L.
0261-5614/$ see front matter 2009 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2009.03.015
366
M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377
Summary of statements: Central Venous Catheters

Subject
Recommendations
Grade
Choice of route for intravenous

nutrition
Central venous access (i.e., venous access which allows delivery of nutrients directly into the superior vena
cava or the right atrium) is needed in most patients who are candidates for parenteral nutrition (PN).
In some situations however PN may be safely delivered by peripheral access (short cannula or midline
catheter), as when using a solution with low osmolarity, with a substantial proportion of the non-protein
calories given as lipid.
It is recommended that peripheral PN (given through a short peripheral cannula or through a midline catheter)
should be used only for a limited period of time, and only when using nutrient solutions whose osmolarity
does not exceed 850 mOsm/L.
Home PN should not normally be given via short cannulas as these carry a high risk of dislocation and
complications.
Peripheral PN, whether through short cannulas or midline catheters, demands careful surveillance for
thrombophlebitis.
Number
1
Choice of PN catheter device
Short-term: many non-tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs), as well as peripherally inserted central
catheters (PICCs), and peripheral catheters are suitable for in-patient PN.
Medium-term: PICCs, Hohn catheters, and tunneled catheters and ports are appropriate. Non-tunneled central
venous catheters are discouraged in HPN, because of high rates of infection, obstruction, dislocation, and
venous thrombosis.
Prolonged use and HPN (>3 months) usually require a long-term device. There is a choice between tunneled
catheters and totally implantable devices. In those requiring frequent (daily) access a tunneled device is
generally preferable.
Choice of vein for PN
The choice of vein is affected by several factors including venepuncture technique, the risk of related
mechanical complications, the feasibility of appropriate nursing of the catheter site, and the risk of thrombotic
and infective complications.
The use of the femoral vein for PN is relatively contraindicated, since this is associated with a high risk of
contamination at the exit site in the groin, and a high risk of venous thrombosis.
High approaches to the internal jugular vein (either anterior or posterior to the sternoclavicular muscle) are
not recommended, since the exit site is difcult to nurse, and there is thus a high risk of catheter
contamination and catheter-related infection.
Insertion of CVCs
There is compelling evidence that ultrasound-guided venepuncture (by real-time ultrasonography) is

associated with a lower incidence of complications and a higher rate of success than blind venepuncture.
Ultrasound support is therefore strongly recommended for all CVC insertions. Placement by surgical cutdown
is not recommended, in terms of cost-effectiveness and risk of infection.
In placement of PICCs, percutaneous cannulation of the basilic vein or the brachial vein in the midarm, utilizing
ultrasound guidance and the micro-introducer technique, is the preferred option
Position of CVC tip
High osmolarity PN requires central venous access and should be delivered through a catheter whose tip is in
the lower third of the superior vena cava, at the atrio-caval junction, or in the upper portion of the right atrium
(Grade A). The position of the tip should preferably be checked during the procedure, especially when an
infraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein has been used.
Postoperative X-ray is mandatory (a) when the position of the tip has not been checked during the procedure,
and/or (b) when the device has been placed using blind subclavian approach or other techniques which carry
the risk of pleuropulmonary damage.
C, B
Choice of material for CVC
There is limited evidence to suggest that the catheter material is important in the etiology of catheter-related
sepsis. Teon, silicone and polyurethane (PUR) have been associated with fewer infections than polyvinyl
chloride or polyethylene. Currently all available CVCs are made either of PUR (short-term and medium-term)
or silicone (medium-term and long-term); no specic recommendation for clinical practice is made.
Reducing the risk of catheter-related

infection
Evidence indicates that the risk of catheter-related infection is reduced by:

Using tunneled and implanted catheters (value only conrmed in long-term use)
Using antimicrobial coated catheters (value only shown in short-term use)
Using single-lumen catheters
Using peripheral access (PICC) when possible
Appropriate choice of the insertion site
Ultrasound-guided venepuncture
Use of maximal barrier precautions during insertion
Proper education and specic training of the staff
An adequate policy of hand washing
Use of 2% chlorhexidine as skin antiseptic
Appropriate dressing of the exit site
Disinfection of hubs, stopcocks and needle-free connectors
Regular change of administration sets
Some interventions are not effective in reducing the risk of infection, and should not be adopted for this
purpose; these include:
in-line lters
routine replacement of central lines on a scheduled basis
antibiotic prophylaxis
the use of heparin
Diagnosis of catheter-related sepsis
Diagnosis of CRBSI is best achieved (a) by quantitative or semi-quantitative culture of the catheter (when the
CVC is removed or exchanged over a guide wire), or (b) by paired quantitative blood cultures or paired
qualitative blood cultures from a peripheral vein and from the catheter, with continuously monitoring of the
differential time to positivity (if the catheter is left in place).
367
Table (continued)
Summary of statements: Central Venous Catheters
Subject
Recommendations
Grade
Number
Treatment of catheter-related sepsis

(short-term lines)
A short-term central line should be removed in the case of (a) evident signs of local infection at the exit site, (b)
clinical signs of sepsis, (c) positive culture of the catheter exchanged over guide wire, or (d) positive paired
blood cultures (from peripheral blood and blood drawn from the catheter). Appropriate antibiotic therapy
should be continued after catheter removal.
Treatment of catheter-related sepsis

(long-term lines)
Removal of the long-term venous access is required in case of (a) tunnel infection or port abscess, (b) clinical
signs of septic shock, (c) paired blood cultures positive for fungi or highly virulent bacteria, and/or (d)
complicated infection (e.g., evidence of endocarditis, septic thrombosis, or other metastatic infections). In
other cases, an attempt to save the device may be tried, using the antibiotic lock technique.
Routine care of central catheters
Most central venous access devices for PN can be safely ushed and locked with saline solution when not in
use.
Heparinized solutions may be used as a lock (after ushing with saline), when recommended by the
manufacturer, in the case of implanted ports or opened-ended catheter lumens which are scheduled to remain
closed for more than 8 h.
10
Prevention of line occlusion
Intraluminal obstruction of the central venous access can be prevented by appropriate nursing protocols in
maintenance of the line, including the use of nutritional pumps.
11
Prevention of catheter-related
central venous thrombosis
Thrombosis is avoided by the use of insertion techniques designed to limit damage to the vein, including
Ultrasound guidance at insertion
choice of a catheter with the smallest caliber compatible with the infusion therapy needed
position of the tip of the catheter at or near to the atrio-caval junction
12
Prophylaxis with a daily subcutaneous dose of low molecular weight heparin is effective only in patients at
high risk for thrombosis.
Home PN should not be given only via short catheters, as these

carry a high risk of dislocation and complications (Grade C).
Peripheral PN, whether through short cannulas or midline
catheters, demands careful surveillance for thrombophlebitis
(Grade C).
Comments: There is not enough evidence in the literature to
indicate a clear cut-off osmolarity for central versus peripheral PN,
and experimental data obtained in animal models are not
completely transferable to humans.1 Central venous access is usually
indicated in the following conditions: administration of solutions
with pH < 5 or pH > 9; administration of drugs with osmolarity
>600 mOsm/L (INS 2006) or 500 mOsm/L; PN with solution whose
osmolarity is equal or superior to 10% glucose or 5% aminoacids;
administration of vesicant drugs or drugs associated with intimal
damage; need for multiple lumen intravenous treatment; need for
dialysis/apheresis; need for central venous pressure monitoring;
venous access needed for > 3 months. PN whose osmolarity exceeds
800900 mOsm/L has been widely thought (several guideline
statements) to warrant use of a central line, the upper limit based on
a clinical study published 30 years ago.2 However, in another clinical
study on this subject it proved possible to give PN with an osmolality
around 1100 mOsm/kg for up to 10 days via peripheral veins in most
patients.3 In short-term PN, increasing osmolarity did not increase
the incidence of thrombophlebitis and did not affect the success rate
of lines.4 Also, it appears that the risk of thrombophlebitis is related
not only to the osmolarity, but also to the lipid content which may
have a protective effect on the endothelium5 and to the nal pH of
the solution. Finally, volume load and osmolarity appear to have
equal relevance in determining phlebitis: the osmolarity rate,
dened as the number of milliOsmols infused per hour, correlated
well with the phlebitis rate (r 0.95) in clinical trial.6
Thus, more randomized studies are needed, to clarify the range
of indication of peripheral PN, especially considering the increasing
use of peripheral lines which can stay safely in place for weeks
(midline catheters). These are 2025 cm long polyurethane or
silicone catheters, whose diameter is usually between 3 and 5 Fr,
inserted1 in the supercial veins of the antecubital area, by a simple
percutaneous technique, or2 in the deep veins of the midarm, with

ultrasound guidance.
Midline catheters should be taken into consideration as
a potential option every time that peripheral therapy is expected
for more than 6 days (Grade B). Since this is the case for most inhospital PN treatments, midline catheters are bound to play a major
role in this setting. In the case of home PN, short cannulas carry
a high risk of dislocation and inltration, so in the unusual event of
home peripheral PN being indicated it should be delivered through
midline catheters.
Nonetheless, it is important to stress that peripheral PN, both
through short cannulas and through midline catheters, has major
limitations (a) in the availability of peripheral veins and (b) in the
risk of peripheral vein thrombophlebitis.7 The rst problem can
be overcome by the routine use of ultrasound guidance, which
allows positioning of midline catheters in deep veins of the upper
arm (basilic and brachial) even when no supercial veins can be
found. The prevention of peripheral vein thrombophlebitis is
based on several interventions: aseptic technique during catheter
placement and catheter care; choice of the smallest gauge
possible (ideally, the diameter of the catheter should be one third
or less of the diameter of the vein, as checked by ultrasound); use
of polyurethane (PUR) and silicone catheters rather than Teon
cannulas; appropriate osmolarity of the solution; use of lipidbased solutions (fat emulsion may have a protective effect on the
vein wall); pH higher than 5 and lower than 9; adequate xation
of the catheter (by transparent adhesive membranes and/or
sutureless xation devices).
2. How to choose the central venous access device for PN?
Short-term: many non-tunneled central venous catheters
(CVCs), as well as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)
are suitable for in-patient PN.
Medium-term: PICCs, Hohn catheters, and tunneled catheters
and ports are appropriate. Non-tunneled central venous catheters are discouraged in HPN, because of high rates of infection,
obstruction, dislocation, and venous thrombosis (Grade B).
368
Prolonged use and HPN (>3 months) usually require a longterm device. There is a choice between tunneled catheters and
totally implantable device. In those requiring frequent (daily)
access a tunneled device is generally preferable (Grade B).
High approaches to the internal jugular vein (either anterior or

posterior to the sternoclavicular muscle) are not recommended,
since the exit site is difcult to nurse, and there is thus a high risk of
catheter contamination and catheter-related infection (Grade C).
Comments: Central venous access devices (i.e., venous devices

whose tip is centrally placed) can be classied as those used for
short-, medium- and long-term access.
Short-term central catheters are usually non-tunneled, 20
30 cm polyurethane (PUR) catheters inserted in a central vein
(subclavian vein, internal jugular vein, innominate vein, axillary
vein or femoral vein); they may have a single-lumen or multiple
lumens; they are designed for continuous use and they should
normally be used only in hospitalized patients,8 for a limited period
of time (days to weeks).
Medium-term central catheters are usually non-tunneled central
venous devices intended for discontinuous use: they include PICCs
(peripherally inserted central catheters) and non-tunneled centrally
inserted silicone catheters (such as Hohn catheters). PICCs are nontunneled central catheters inserted through a peripheral vein of the
arm (basilic, brachial or cephalic); they are 5060 cm in length and
usually made of silicone or PUR. Hohn catheters are non-tunneled
20 cm centrally inserted silicon catheters.9 Both PICCs and Hohn
catheters can be used for prolonged parenteral nutrition (up to 3
months) in hospitalized patients and in non-hospitalized patients
treated in day hospitals, in hospices or at home.8 PICCs are acceptable for shortmedium-term HPN, but since the exit position
effectively disables one hand self care may be difcult.
With regards to PN in the hospitalized patient, there are no clear
data showing signicant advantages of PICCs versus centrally
inserted CVC. Some evidence suggests that PICC use may be preferable because associated with fewer mechanical complications at
insertion, lower costs of insertion, and a lower rate of infection.9,10
Although this last issue is under debate,11 it is accepted that placement in the antecubital fossa or the midarm carries the important
advantage of removing the exit site of the catheter further away from
endotracheal, oral and nasal secretions (Grade C).
Long-term (>3 months) home parenteral nutrition (HPN)
requires a long-term venous access device, such as a cuffed
tunneled central catheter (Hickman, Broviac, Groshong, and Hickman-like catheters such as Lifecath, RedoTPN, etc.) or a totally
implanted port. The choice between tunneled catheters and ports
depends on many factors, mainly related to patients compliance
and choice, the experience of the nursing staff, and the frequency of
venous access required. Implantable access devices have been
recommended only for patients who require long-term, intermittent vascular access, while for patients requiring long-term
frequent or continuous access, a tunneled CVC is preferable, but the
evidence base for this is weak (Grade C).
Arteriovenous stulae have been used episodically as a route for
delivery of long-term home PN, when central venous access had
become impossible; there is insufcient evidence to give recommendations in this regard.
b) Insertion of central venous access devices
Comments: Short-term non-tunneled CVC and Hohn catheters

are inserted by percutaneous venepuncture of central veins, either
by the so-called blind method (using anatomical landmarks) or by
ultrasound (US) guidance/ assistance.
Blind positioning of CVCs is usually achieved by direct venepuncture of the subclavian vein (via a supraclavicular or infraclavicular approach), or the internal jugular vein (high posterior
approach; high anterior approach; axial approach, between the two
heads of the sternoclavicular muscle; low lateral approach; etc.); or
the femoral vein. Venepuncture of the internal jugular vein carries
less risk of insertion-related complications if compared to the
subclavian vein12; in particular, the low lateral approach to the
internal jugular vein (or Jernigans approach) appears to be
the technique of blind venepuncture associated with the lowest
risk of mechanical complications.13
US-guided positioning of short-term CVCs may be achieved by
supraclavicular venepuncture of the subclavian vein, of the internal
jugular vein, or of the innominate vein; by infraclavicular venepuncture of the axillary/subclavian vein; or by femoral
venepuncture.
Though positioning of central venous catheters on the left side is
usually associated with a higher risk of malposition than on the
right side, there are no evidence-based recommendations in this
regard. Also (a) there may be specic clinical and anatomic conditions which enforce use of one or other side (poor visualization of
the veins on the other side, skin abnormalities, etc.), and (b) the risk
of malposition may be minimized by using a technique for intraoperative control of the position of the catheter tip (including
uoroscopy and ECG-based methods).
Since the presence of a non-tunneled CVC in the femoral vein is
associated with a high risk of infection and of catheter-related
venous thrombosis, this route is relatively contraindicated in
parenteral nutrition (Grade C).
Increased difculty in nursing of the exit site of the catheter is to
be expected when the exit site of the CVC is in the neck area14;
therefore, it is preferable to employ approaches that facilitate
dressing changes, such as the infraclavicular area (subclavian or
axillary venepuncture) or the area just above the clavicle (low
approach to the internal jugular vein; supraclavicular approach to
the innominate vein or to the internal jugular vein).
3. Which is the preferred site for placement of a central

venous access device?
The choice of vein is affected by several factors including venepuncture technique, the risk of related mechanical complications, the feasibility of appropriate nursing of the catheter site,
and the risk of thrombotic and infective complications (Grade B).
The use of the femoral vein for PN is relatively contraindicated,
since this is associated with a high risk of contamination at the exit
site at the groin, and a high risk of venous thrombosis (Grade B).
4. Which is the best technique for placement of a central

venous access?
There is compelling evidence that ultrasound-guided venepuncture (by real-time ultrasonography) is associated with
a lower incidence of complications and a higher rate of success
than blind venepuncture. Ultrasound support is therefore
strongly recommended for all CVC insertions (Grade A). Placement
by surgical cutdown is not recommended, in terms of cost-effectiveness and risk of infection (Grade A).
Comments: The advantages of US-guidance for placement of
CVCs have been demonstrated in many RCTs and conrmed by all
the meta-analyses on this subject. In a 1996 meta-analysis of eight
RCTs, US-guidance was characterized by a lower rate of failure and
complications and by a higher rate of success at the rst attempt if
compared to the landmark technique.15 In 2001, the Stanford
Evidence Based Practice Center at the UCSF published the results of
the project Making Health Care Safer: A critical analysis of patient
safety practices, identifying US-guidance for CVC placement as one

of eleven evidence-based clinical tools which should be enforced in
clinical practice.16 In 2002 the British National Institute for Clinical
Excellence made the following recommendations: imaging USguidance should be the preferred method when inserting a CVC
into the internal jugular vein in adults and children in elective
situations and that imaging US-guidance should be considered in
most clinical situations where CVC insertion is necessary, whether
the situation is elective or an emergency (Table 1). A meta-analysis
of 18 RCTs showed that US-guidance is highly effective in reducing
the rate of failure, the rate of complications, and the rate of accidental arterial puncture, thus clearly improving patient safety.17
Similar results were shown in a 2003 meta-analysis,18 which also
showed that US-guided venepuncture takes less time to perform
than blind venepuncture. The same authors concluded that
economic modeling indicates that US is likely to save health service
resources as well as improve failure and complication rates, and
that for every 1000 procedures, a resource saving of 2000
(w2200V) is suggested.19 More recently, several randomized
studies have conrmed with no exception the superiority of USguided venepuncture, not only as an elective procedure, but also in
the emergency department.20 A randomized study of US-guided
versus blind catheterization of the internal jugular vein in critical
care patients showed that US-guidance was also associated with
a decrease of catheter-related infections.21 The uniform use of realtime ultrasound guidance for the placement of CVCs is clearly
supported by the literature (Grade A).
In summary there is strong statistical evidence to indicate that
US-guided insertion of central catheters is more effective and safer
than blind techniques in both adults and children. It may therefore
now be considered unethical or lacking in common sense to
withhold the use of this option.22
In placement of PICCs, percutaneous cannulation of the basilic
vein or the brachial vein in the midarm, utilizing ultrasound
guidance and the micro-introducer technique, is the preferred
option (Grade C).
Comments: PICCs may be inserted either in the antecubital
fossa, by blind percutaneous cannulation of cephalic or basilic
vein, or in the midarm, by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the
basilic, brachial or cephalic vein; the results of ultrasound technique are optimal if used in conjunction with the micro-introducer
technique. Evidence suggests that US insertion in the midarm
signicantly increases the rate of success, reduces the incidence of
local complications such as thrombophlebitis, and also positively
affects the compliance of the patient2325: US-guided PICC insertion
is also recommended in other guidelines.
Long-term venous devices (tunneled catheters or ports) usually
consist of large bore silicone catheters, which are particularly prone
to malfunction and damage if compressed between the clavicle and
the rst rib (the so-called pinch-off syndrome). Thus, when
inserting a long-term venous access, the blind infraclavicular
approach to the subclavian vein and particularly the medial
infraclavicular approach is not recommended. It is noteworthy
that US-guided CVC placement does not seem associated with the
risk of pinch-off, even when using the infraclavicular approach.
US-guided venepuncture of the internal jugular, subclavian,
innominate or axillary vein, plus subcutaneous tunneling to the
infraclavicular area, is now the best option for long-term venous
access. Other less satisfactory options include blind cannulation of
internal jugular vein (possibly by the low lateral approach) and
surgical cutdown onto the cephalic vein at the delto-pectoral fossa
or the external jugular vein in the neck. Surgical cutdown is associated with higher costs and a higher risk of infection when
compared to percutaneous venepuncture.26
369
In selected patients (such as when there is obstruction of the

superior vena cava), long-term venous access devices may be
placed in the inferior vena cava, by femoral venepuncture: in these
cases, the catheter exit site or the port must be placed at a proper
distance from the groin, to minimize the risk of contamination.
5. Which is the most appropriate position of the tip of
a central venous access for parenteral nutrition?
High osmolarity PN requires central venous access and should
be delivered through a catheter whose tip is in the lower third of
the superior vena cava, at the atrio-caval junction, or in the upper
portion of the right atrium (Grade A). The position of the tip
should preferably be checked during the procedure, especially
when an infraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein has been
used (Grade C).
Postoperative X-ray is mandatory (a) when the position of the
tip has not been checked during the procedure, and/or (b) when
the devise been placed using a blind subclavian approach or other
technique which carries the risk of pleuropulmonary damage
(Grade B).
Comments: For any central venous access (short-, medium- or
long-term), the position of the tip of the catheter plays a critical
role. The ideal position has been said to be between the lower third
of the superior cava vein and the upper third of the right atrium. In
fact, evidence shows that infusion of high osmolarity PN in the
lower third of the superior vena cava or at the atrio-caval junction is
associated with the least incidence of mechanical and thrombotic
complications. On the other hand, if the catheter is too deep into
the atrium, in proximity to the tricuspid valve, or even deeper, it
may be associated with these complications.
Ideally, the position of the tip should be checked during the
procedure,27 either by uoroscopy or by the ECG method.28,29 If the
position has not been checked intraoperatively, a post-procedural
chest X-ray should be performed to check the position of the tip. A
chest X-ray should always be performed if the venepuncture has
been performed by the blind technique, and especially so with an
approach which carries the risk of pleuro-pulmonary damage
(pneumothorax, hemothorax, etc.). A very early X-ray (within 1 h
after the procedure) may not be sufcient, since a pneumothorax
may not become apparent for 1224 h.
c) Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections
6. Which evidence-based interventions effectively reduce the
risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections?
There is limited evidence to suggest that the catheter material
is important in the etiology of catheter-related sepsis. Teon,
silicone and polyurethane (PUR) have been associated with fewer
infections than polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. Currently all
available CVCs are made either of PUR (short-term and mediumterm) or silicone (medium-term and long-term); no specic
recommendation for clinical practice is made.
Evidence indicates that the risk of catheter-related infection is
reduced by:
Using tunneled and implanted catheters (value only
conrmed in long-term use)
Using antimicrobial coated catheters (value only shown in
short-term use)
Using single-lumen catheters
Using peripheral access (PICC) when possible
Appropriate choice of the insertion site
Ultrasound-guided venepuncture
370

Use of maximal barrier precautions during insertion

Proper education and specic training of staff
An adequate policy of hand washing
Use of 2% chlorhexidine as skin antiseptic
Appropriate dressing of the exit site
Disinfection of hubs, stopcocks and needle-free connectors
Regular change of administration sets
Some interventions are not effective in reducing the risk of

infection, and should not be adopted for this purpose; these include:

in-line lters
routine replacement of central lines on a scheduled basis
antibiotic prophylaxis
the use of heparin
Comments: Tunneled catheters and totally implanted venous

access devices are associated with a low rate of infection, since they
are specically protected from extraluminal contamination.
However, tunneling and subcutaneous implantation is in effect
a minor surgical procedure, which is relatively contraindicated in
patients with a low platelet count or coagulation abnormalities;
also, these devices are expensive and are not cost-effective in the
setting of short-/medium-term venous access for parenteral
nutrition: they should be reserved for long-term home parenteral
nutrition. Nonetheless, this view is not yet supported by randomized clinical trial in adult patients. In pediatric patients, some
benet may accrue from tunneling short-term CVCs.
Antimicrobial coated CVCs are effective in reducing CRBSI, and
their use is recommended in short-term catheterization of adult
patients in clinical settings characterized by a high incidence of
CRBSI despite adequate implementation of the other evidencebased interventions (Grade A). Short-term central venous catheters
coated with chlorhexidine/sulfadiazine or coated with rifampicin/
minocycline have a signicantly lower rate of catheter-related
infections, as shown in the systematic review of Maki and coworkers.30 In a recent systematic review and economic evaluation
conducted by the Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group,31
the authors conclude that rates of CR-BSI are statistically signicantly reduced by catheters coated with minocycline/rifampicin, or
internally and externally coated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine (only a trend to statistical signicance was seen in catheters
only extraluminally coated).
Thus the use of an antimicrobial coated central venous access
device is to be considered for adult patients who require short-term
central venous catheterization and who are at high risk for catheter-related bloodstream infection if rates of CR-BSI remain high
despite implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce their
frequency.
A single-lumen CVC is to be preferred, unless multiple ports are
essential for the management of the patient (Grade B). If a multilumen CVC is used, one lumen should be reserved exclusively for
PN (Grade C). Central venous catheters with multiple lumens are
associated with an increased rate of infection compared to singlelumen CVCs as shown by several randomized controlled trials;
nonetheless, this contention has been questioned by recent papers.
Two recent systematic review and quantitative meta-analyses have
focused on the risk of CR-BSI and catheter colonization in multilumen catheters compared with single-lumen catheters. The rst32
concluded that multilumen catheters are not a signicant risk
factor for increased CR-BSI or local catheter colonization compared
with single-lumen devices. The second review33 concluded that
there is some evidence from 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
with data on 530 catheterizations that for every 20 single-lumen
catheters inserted one CR-BSI will be avoided which would have
occurred had multi-lumen catheters been used. Though further

research is warranted, in the meantime it is reasonable to recommend a single-lumen catheter unless multiple ports are essential
for the management of the patient (Grade B). If a multilumen
catheter is used, it is recommended that one lumen is designated
exclusively for PN. Of course, all lumens must be handled with the
same meticulous attention to aseptic technique.
Though some data suggest that PICCs may be associated with
a lower risk of CRBSI compared to non-tunneled short-term CVCs,
there is no conclusive evidence on this point. At present, PICCs
should be taken into consideration for PN (a) in patients with
tracheostomy, (b) when placement of a standard CVC implies an
increased risk of insertion-related complications, (c) in patients with
coagulation abnormalities (Grade C). Peripherally inserted central
venous catheters (PICCs) are apparently associated with a lower risk
of infection, most probably because of the exit site on the arm, which
is less prone to be contaminated by nasal and oral secretions.10 In
a recent multicenter study analyzing 2101 central venous catheters
inserted in critically ill patients, PICCs were associated with
a signicantly lower rate of bloodstream infection than standard
CVCs.34 No randomized control study has yet proven this. A metaanalysis from Turcotte et al.,35 including 48 papers published
between 1979 and 2004, did not nd a clear evidence that PICC is
superior to CVC in acute care settings, as each approach offers its
own advantages and a different prole of complications. In this
meta-analysis infectious complications did not signicantly differ
between PICC and CVC, but it is important to stress that all the papers
included in this analysis reported experience with PICC inserted
with the blind technique, and not by ultrasound guidance, which is
the method now considered standard for PICC insertion.24
In conclusion, at present, it is reasonable to consider PICC
insertion for parenteral nutrition (a) in patients with tracheostomy,
(b) in patients with severe anatomical abnormalities of neck and
thorax, which may be associated with difcult positioning and
nursing of a centrally placed CVC, (c) in patients with very low
platelet count (e.g., below 9000), and (d) in patients who are
candidates for home parenteral nutrition for limited periods of
time (e.g., weeks).10 On the other hand, PICCs are not advisable in
patients with renal failure and impending need for dialysis, in
whom preservation of upper-extremity veins is needed for stula
or graft implantation. The assumption that PICCs are safer than
conventional CVCs with regard to the risk of infection is in question and should be assessed by a larger, adequately powered
randomized trial that assesses peripheral vein thrombophlebitis,
PICC-related thrombosis, and premature dislodgment, as well as
CR-BSI.11
In selecting the most appropriate insertion site for a CVC, it is
advisable to consider several factors, including patient-specic
factors (e.g., pre-existing CVC, anatomic abnormalities, bleeding
diathesis, some types of positive-pressure ventilation), the relative
risk of mechanical complications (e.g., bleeding, pneumothorax,
thrombosis), as well as the risk of infection and the feasibility of an
adequate nursing care of the catheter exit site (Grade B).
Placement of a non-tunneled CVC in the femoral vein is not
recommended in adult patients receiving PN, since this route is
associated with a relevant risk of venous thrombosis, as well as
a high risk of extraluminal contamination and CRBSI, due to the
difculties inherent in dressing this exit site (Grade B).
Placement of a non-tunneled CVC whose exit site is in the midupper part of the neck (i.e., via a high approach to the internal
jugular vein) is not recommended, since it is associated with a high
risk of extraluminal contamination and CRBSI, due to neck movement and difculties inherent in nursing care of this site (Grade C).
No RCT has satisfactorily compared catheter-related infection
rates for catheters placed in jugular, subclavian, and femoral sites.
However, previous evidence suggested that non-tunneled catheters

inserted into the internal jugular vein were associated with higher
risks for CR-infection than those inserted into a subclavian vein.
This might be secondary not to the choice of the vein itself, but
to feasibility of an adequate dressing of catheter exit site; thus, the
infection risk of a CVC line inserted in the internal jugular vein via
the high posterior approach (exit site at midneck) and the infection
risk of a CVCs inserted using the low lateral Jernigan approach to
the internal jugular vein (exit site in the supraclavicular fossa) may
be quite different.13
A clinical study in intensive care patients failed to demonstrate
any advantage of the subclavian route compared to the internal
jugular vein in terms of infection rate.36 In a prospective study of
988 ICU patients, the internal jugular route and the femoral route
were associated with a higher risk of local infection of the exit site,
but there was no difference in terms of CRBSI.37 Non-tunneled
femoral catheters have been demonstrated to have relatively high
colonization rates when used in adults38 and should be avoided
because they are thought to be associated with a higher risk of deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) and CR-infection when compared to internal
jugular or subclavian catheters.
A review and meta-analysis39 of non-randomized studies published up to 2000 reported that there were signicantly more
arterial punctures with jugular access compared to the subclavian
approach, but that there were signicantly fewer malpositions with
jugular access, with no difference in the incidence of hemo- or
pneumothorax or of vessel occlusion. The more recent Cochrane
systematic review found no adequate randomized trials of subclavian versus jugular central venous access. More evidence is
required on whether the subclavian or the jugular access route is to
be preferred.40 Also, since ultrasound guidance is now considered
as a standard of care, it is recommended that future comparative
trials should incorporate ultrasound-guided venepuncture, as well
as taking into account other central routes which have been made
possible by ultrasound guidance, such as the axillary or the
innominate (brachio-cephalic) vein.
With regards to PICCs, an exit site in the midarm (typical of USguided PICC insertion) might have relevant advantages in terms of
nursing care compared to the antecubital fossa (typical of blind
PICC insertion).14
In conclusion, with regards to non-tunneled CVCs, the choice of
the insertion site has implications to its nursing care. Sites in the
groin (femoral vein), on the neck (high approaches to the internal
jugular vein) or in the antecubital fossa (blind PICC insertion)
probably carry a higher risk of contamination compared to sites in
the supraclavicular fossa (low lateral approach to the internal
jugular vein, supraclavicular approaches to the subclavian vein or to
the innominate vein), in the infraclavicular fossa (subclavian or
axillary vein) or the midarm (US-guided PICC insertion).
Ultrasound placement of catheters may indirectly reduce the
risk of contamination and infection, and it is recommended for all
central venous access (Grade C). Real-time US-guided venepuncture of the internal jugular vein is apparently associated with
a lower rate of CRBSI compared to blind venepuncture, most likely
because of less trauma to the tissues and the shorter time needed
for the procedure, as shown in a recent randomized study.21 Also,
real-time ultrasound guidance allows PICC positioning in the
midarm, by cannulation of the basilic vein or one of the brachial
veins: this may be associated with a lower risk of local infection and
thrombosis as compared to blind positioning in the antecubital
fossa.24,25
Maximal barrier precautions during CVC insertion are effective
in reducing the risk of infection and are recommended (Grade B).
Prospective trials suggest that the risk of CRBSI may be reduced by
using maximal sterile barriers, including a sterile gown and sterile
371
gloves for the operator, and a large sterile drape for the insertion of
central venous access devices (Grade C). Full-barrier precautions
during CVC insertion are recommended by most other guidelines,
and this practice has been adopted by most bundles of evidencebased interventions aiming to reduce CRBSI, in multicenter
prospective trials.
Proper education and specic training of the staff is universally
recommended as one of the most important and evidence-based
strategy for reducing the risk of catheter-related infections (Grade
A). Specialized nursing teams should care for venous access devices
in patients receiving PN. There is good evidence demonstrating that
the risk of infection declines following the standardization of
aseptic care and increases when the maintenance of intravascular
catheters is undertaken by inexperienced healthcare workers. Also,
it has been proven that relatively simple education programs
focused on training healthcare workers to adhere to local evidencebased protocols may decrease the risk to patients of CRBSI.41,42 In
a very important multicenter prospective study carried out in 108
intensive care units, Provonost and coworkers43 have shown that
the adoption of a bundle of a small number of evidence-based
interventions (hand washing; full-barrier precautions during the
insertion of central venous catheters; skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine; avoiding the femoral site if possible; removing unnecessary catheters as soon as possible) was highly effective in
producing a clinically relevant (up to 66%) and persistent reduction
in the incidence of CRBSI.
The implementation of an adequate policy of hand washing
amongst healthcare workers who have contact with patients on PN
is considered one of the most evidence-based and cost-effective
maneuvers for reducing the risk of catheter-related infection
(Grade A). Good standards of hand hygiene and antiseptic technique can clearly reduce the risk of CR-infection.8,44 In particular:
before accessing or dressing a central venous access device, hands
must be decontaminated either by washing with an antimicrobial
liquid soap and water, or by using an alcohol hand rub. When
washing hands with soap and water, wet hands rst with water,
apply the amount of product recommended by the manufacturer to
hands, and rub hands vigorously for at least 15 s, covering all
surfaces of the hands and ngers; rinse hands with water and dry
thoroughly with a disposable towel. When decontaminating hands
with an alcohol-based hand rub, apply product to palm of one hand
and rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and ngers,
until hands are dry8; follow manufacturers recommendations
regarding the volume of product to use. Hands that are visibly
soiled or contaminated with dirt or organic material must be
washed with liquid soap and water before using an alcohol hand
rub. Evidence from RCTs has shown that when accessing a central
venous line (for insertion site dressing, line manipulation or
intravenous drug administration) there are two possible options:
(1) hand antisepsis clean gloves, and aseptic non-touch technique; (2) hand antisepsis sterile gloves (Grade C).
The most appropriate skin antiseptic for prevention of catheterrelated bloodstream infection is chlorhexidine as 2% solution in 70%
isopropyl alcohol, and it should be preferred for both skin preparation before catheter insertion and cleaning of the catheter exit
site (Grade A). Recent clinical randomized study45 indicates that
chlorhexidine, particularly as 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70%
isopropyl alcohol, is the most appropriate antiseptic for preparation
of the insertion site as well as for cleansing the entry site once the
catheter is in place (Grade A).
An aqueous solution of chlorhexidine gluconate should be
used if the manufacturers recommendations prohibit the use of
alcohol with their product (such as in the case of some PUR
catheters). Alcoholic povidoneiodine solution should be used in
patients with a history of chlorhexidine sensitivity (Grade A).
372
Antiseptic should be allowed to air dry; organic solvents, e.g.,

acetone, ether, should not be applied to the skin before or after
the antiseptic (Grade C). Antimicrobial ointments are not effective
for prevention of catheter site infections and should not be
applied routinely (Grade B).
The catheter exit site of a non-tunneled central venous access
should preferably be covered with a sterile, transparent, semipermeable polyurethane dressing, which should be routinely
changed every 7 days (Grade C). These should be changed sooner if
they are no longer intact or if moisture collects under the dressing
(Grade C). If a patient has profuse perspiration or if the insertion
site is bleeding or oozing, a sterile gauze dressing is preferred
(Grade C). This need should be assessed daily and the gauze
changed when inspection of the insertion site is necessary or when
the dressing becomes damp, loosened or soiled. A gauze dressing
should be replaced by a transparent dressing as soon as possible.
Dressings used on tunneled or implanted catheter insertion sites
should be replaced every 7 days until the insertion site has healed,
unless there is an indication to change them sooner (Grade C).
Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing is effective in reducing the
extraluminal contamination of the catheter exit site, and its use
should be taken into consideration in adult patients with nontunneled CVCs at high risk infection (Grade C).
The efcacy and cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial impregnated dressings in preventing catheter colonization and CR-BSI are
still under investigation. Many prospective trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges
(Biopatch) in preventing extraluminal contamination of the catheter at the exit site (Grade B).4648 Their use should be considered in
adult patients with non-tunneled CVCs at high risk for infection
(after proper evaluation of their cost-effectiveness).
Another important issue is the technique for stabilization of the
CVCs. Evidence has accumulated that the traditional securing of the
catheter with sutures may be associated with a high risk of
contamination of the exit site. Products used to stabilize the catheter should include manufactured catheter stabilization devices,
sterile tapes, and surgical strips, but whenever feasible using
a manufactured catheter stabilization device is preferred (Grade C).
Sutures should no longer be used routinely (Grade B). It is noteworthy that (for example) the Statlock and Biopatch can be
simultaneously used on the same catheter exit site, both covered
with a transparent semi-permeable dressing, and left in place for 1
week.
Stopcocks, catheter hubs and sampling ports of needle-free
connectors are an important route of intraluminal contamination
and subsequent CRBSI, and they should always be disinfected
before access, preferably using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70%
isopropyl alcohol (Grade C)
Needle-free connectors have been introduced into clinical
practice for the protection of the patient and healthcare worker, in
order to reduce the risk of accidental needle puncture and/or biological contamination. Their effectiveness in reducing CRBSI has
never been proven unequivocally; whilst in contrast their
misuse may actually increase the incidence of CRBSI. Evidence
suggests that appropriate disinfection of needle-free connectors
may signicantly reduce external microbial contamination.49
Though there is no conclusive evidence on their protective or
permissive role in terms of infection prevention, it is recommended
that the introduction of needle-free devices should be monitored
for an increase in the occurrence of device associated infection. If
needle-free devices are used, the manufacturers recommendations
for changing the needle-free components should be followed
(Grade C).
When needle-free devices are used, the risk of contamination
should be minimized by decontaminating the access port before
and after use with a single patient use application of a 70% alcoholic
solution or a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution unless contraindicated by the manufacturers recommendations (Grade C).
The intravenous catheter administration set should be changed
every 24 h (when using lipid PN) or every 72 h (if lipids are not
infused) (Grade C). In-line lters are not recommended for the
prevention of CR-BSI (Grade C). No evidence has been found to
support the use of in-line lters for preventing infusate-related CRBSI. However, there may be a role for the use of in-line ltration of
lipid-based PN solutions in selected cases, under a pharmacists
recommendation, for ltering micro-aggregates possibly occurring
in the emulsion.
Non-tunneled CVCs should not be removed and replaced
routinely (Grade A), and they should not be changed routinely over
a guide wire (Grade A). Such strategies are not associated with
a reduction of CRBSI and may actually increase the rate of complications. Routine removal and replacement of the CVC without
a specic clinical indication does not reduce the rate of catheter
colonization or the rate of CR-BSI, but increases the incidence of
insertion-related complications. CVCs should be removed only if
complications occur or they are no longer necessary (Grade A).
Guide wire assisted catheter exchange has a role in replacing
a malfunctioning catheter, but is contraindicated in the presence of
infection at the catheter site or proven CRBSI. Guide wire exchange
may have a role in diagnosis of CRBSI. If catheter-related infection is
suspected, but there is no evidence of infection at the catheter site,
the existing catheter may be removed and a new catheter inserted
over a guide wire; if tests reveal catheter-related infection, the
newly inserted catheter should be removed and, if still required,
a new catheter inserted at a different site. If there is evidence of
infection at the exit site or evidence of CRBSI, the catheter should be
removed and not exchanged over guide wire. All uid administration tubing and connectors must also be replaced when the central
venous access device is replaced (Grade C).
Prophylactic administration of systemic or local antibiotics
before or during the use of a CVC is not recommended, since it does
not reduce the incidence of CR-BSI (Grade A).5052
Prophylaxis with an antibiotic lock has been shown to be
effective only in neutropenic patients with long-term venous
access. There is no evidence that routinely using this procedure in
all patients with CVC will reduce the risk of catheter-related
bloodstream infections, and this is not recommended (Grade C).
Low-dose systemic anticoagulation, periodic ushing with
heparin, or heparin lock, do not reduce the risk of catheter
contamination, and are not recommended for prevention of CRBSI
(Grade C). There is no denite evidence that heparin reduces the
incidence of CR-BSI, but this may reect the heterogeneity of
heparin concentration used and its modality of administration.
Many substances (taurolidine, citrate, EDTA, ethanol, etc.) have
been proposed for ushing and locking the catheter for the purpose
or reducing the formation of biolm inside the catheter and/or
reducing the colonization of the device and/or reducing the risk of
CRBSI, but there is not enough evidence to give recommendations
in this regard.
d) Management of catheter-related bloodstream infections
7. Which is the best method for diagnosis of CRBSI?
Diagnosis of CRBSI is best achieved (a) by quantitative or semiquantitative culture of the catheter (when the CVC is removed or
exchanged over a guide wire), or (b) by paired quantitative blood
cultures or paired qualitative blood cultures from a peripheral
vein and from the catheter, with continuously monitoring of the
differential time to positivity (if the catheter is left in place)
(Grade A).
Comments: The cornerstones of diagnosis and treatment of

catheter-related bloodstream infections have been clearly
summarized in the very exhaustive and evidence-based guidelines
released in 2001 by the Infectious Disease Society of America
(Table 1).
As regards the diagnosis, it is recommended53 that culture of
catheters should be done only when catheter-related bloodstream
infection is suspected, and not as a routine (Grade B); quantitative
or semi-quantitative cultures of catheters are preferable to qualitative cultures (Grade A).
When a CRBSI is suspected, two sets of blood samples for
culture, one percutaneously and one from the catheter, should be
obtained; paired quantitative blood cultures or paired qualitative
blood cultures with a continuously monitored differential time to
positivity54,55 are recommended for the diagnosis of catheterrelated infection (Grade A).
8. Which is the best method for the management of CRBSI in
non-tunneled CVCs?
A short-term central line should be removed in the case of (a)
evident signs of local infection at the exit site, (b) clinical signs of
sepsis, (c) positive culture of the catheter exchanged over guide
wire, or (d) positive paired blood cultures (from peripheral blood
and blood drawn from the catheter) (Grade B). Appropriate
antibiotic therapy should be continued after catheter removal.
Comments: With regards to non-tunneled CVCs, in patients
with fever and mild to moderate disease the catheter should not
routinely be removed (Grade C); the CVC should be removed and
cultured if the patient has erythema or pus overlying the catheter
exit site, or clinical signs of septic shock (Grade B).
If blood culture results are positive or if the CVC is exchanged
over the guide wire and has signicant colonization according to
results of quantitative or semi-quantitative cultures, the catheter
should be removed and replaced at a new site (Grade B).
If not contraindicated, trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE)
should be done to rule out vegetations in patients with catheterrelated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (Grade B),
because of recently reported high rates of complicating endocarditis56; if TEE is not available and results of transthoracic echocardiography are negative, the duration of therapy should be
decided for each patient on an individual basis.
After removal of a colonized catheter associated with bloodstream infection, if there is persistent bacteremia or fungemia, or
a lack of clinical improvement on appropriate antimicrobial
therapy, aggressive evaluation for septic thrombosis, infective
endocarditis, and other metastatic infections should ensue
(Grade B).
After catheters have been removed from patients with catheterrelated bloodstream infection, non-tunneled catheters may be
reinserted after appropriate systemic antimicrobial therapy is
begun (Grade C).
9. Which is the best method for the management of CRBSI in
long-term central venous access devices?
Removal of the long-term venous access device is required in
case of (a) tunnel infection or port abscess, (b) clinical signs of
septic shock, (c) paired blood cultures positive for fungi or highly
virulent bacteria, and/or (d) complicated infection (e.g., evidence
of endocarditis, septic thrombosis, or other metastatic infections).
In other cases, an attempt to save the device may be tried, using
the antibiotic lock technique (Grade B).
373
Comments: With regards to long-term venous access devices

(tunneled CVCs and ports), clinical assessment is recommended to
determine whether the device is actually the source of infection or
bloodstream infection (Grade B).57 For complicated infections, the
long-term device should be removed (Grade B). For salvage of the
device in patients with uncomplicated infections, antibiotic lock
therapy58 should be used for 2 weeks with standard systemic
therapy for treatment of catheter-related bacteremia due to S.
aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and gram-negative bacilli
for suspected intraluminal infection, in the absence of tunnel or
pocket infection (Grade B)
On the contrary, tunnel infection or port abscess always require
removal of the device and usually at least 710 days of appropriate
antibiotic therapy (Grade C).
Reinsertion of long-term devices should be postponed until
after appropriate systemic antimicrobial therapy is begun, based on
susceptibilities of the bloodstream isolate, and after repeat cultures
of blood samples yield negative results (Grade B); if time permits,
insertion of a new device in a stable patient ideally should be done
after a systemic antibiotic course of therapy is completed, and
repeat blood samples drawn 510 days later yield negative results
(Grade C).
e) Recommendations for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of non-infectious complications
10. Should the catheter be routinely ushed and if so which

solution should be used and how often?
Most central venous access devices for PN can be safely ushed
and locked with saline solution when not in use (Grade B).
Heparinized solutions should be used as a lock (after proper
ushing with saline), when recommended by the manufacturer, in
the case of implanted ports or open-ended catheter lumens which
are scheduled to remain closed for more than 8 h (Grade C).
Comments: Three different meta-analyses of randomized
controlled trials evaluating the effect of heparin on duration of catheter patency have concluded that intermittent ushing with heparin is
no more benecial than ushing with normal saline alone.5961
Nevertheless, manufacturers of implanted ports or opened-ended
catheter lumens recommend heparin ushes for maintaining catheter
patency and many clinicians feel that heparin ushes are appropriate
for ushing devices that are infrequently accessed. Most likely,
appropriate ushing with saline before heparinization is more
important than the use of heparin itself or its concentration. Also, since
heparin may facilitate the precipitation of lipids, saline ushing is
mandatory during PN with lipids before any ushing with heparin.
According to most other guidelines there is no need for heparinization when the catheter is closed for a short period of time
(<8 h). Since most PN treatments in hospital are delivered by
continuous infusion or with short intervals, heparinization does not
have a relevant role in hospital PN. On the other hand, heparin
ushing may be useful in helping to maintain patency in catheter
lumens that are infrequently accessed, and is recommended by
manufacturers of implantable ports and for devices used for blood
processing (e.g., hemodialysis or apheresis). If heparin ushes are
used in patients on home PN, attention should be given to the risk
of lipid precipitation. Heparin should not be used immediately
before or after the administration of lipid-containing PN admixtures: a saline ush should always be interposed (Grade B).
Close ended valve catheters following manufacturers
instructions should be ushed and locked with saline only. No
randomized clinical trials have ever established the usefulness of
heparinization or the ideal heparin concentration, though most
374
authors suggest using a range of concentration between 50 and

500 units per mL (Grade C).
There are no evidence-based data suggesting the ideal
frequency of heparinization for catheter lumens which remain
unused for prolonged periods of time, though most authors and
most manufacturers suggest ushing and locking devices with
small caliber (5 Fr or less) weekly, and devices with large caliber
(6 Fr or more) every 34 weeks. Sterile 0.9% sodium chloride for
injection should be used to ush and lock catheter lumens that are
in frequent use (Grade A); when recommended by the manufacturer, implanted ports or opened-ended catheter lumens should be
ushed and locked with heparin sodium ush solutions (Grade C).
Regarding the possible effect of needle-free connectors in preventing catheter occlusion, there are not enough data for a clinical
recommendation, though some papers62 suggest that CVCs with
a positive-pressure valve device may have a lower incidence of
complete catheter occlusion than those with a standard cap. As
some clinical reports suggest that positive displacement needlefree connectors may be associated with a higher risk of CRBSI, their
use cannot be actively recommended.
11. Are there evidence-based recommendations regarding
prevention, diagnosis or treatment of mechanical
complications?
Intraluminal obstruction of the central venous access can be
prevented by appropriate nursing protocols in maintenance of
the line, including the use of nutritional pumps (Grade C).
Comments: The obstruction of a central venous catheter is most
often due to intraluminal precipitate of lipid aggregates, drugs,
clots, or contrast medium, and it can be effectively prevented by
appropriate nursing measures (e.g., continuous infusion of PN by
pump; utilization of appropriate protocols for ushing when the
catheter is not in use, or after blood withdrawal; avoidance of
routine use of the catheter for infusion of blood products, blood
withdrawal, or infusion of contrast medium for radiological exams;
avoidance of direct contact between lipid PN and heparin solutions). When the lumen of the catheter is obstructed, the most
appropriate action will usually be exchange over a guide wire or
removal (in the case of a non-tunneled short-term catheter) or an
attempt at pharmacological clearance (in the case of PICCs or
long-term venous access devices). Clearance should always be
performed using a 10 mL syringe (or bigger), so as to avoid
inappropriate high pressures which may damage the catheter. The
solution most adequate for the presumed type of obstruction
should be used (ethanol for lipid aggregates; urokinase or
recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) for clots; NaOH or
HCl for drugs; NaHCO3 for contrast medium) (Grade C).
Damage to the external part of the catheter can be effectively
prevented by appropriate nursing protocols (Grade C). Central lines
utilized for PN should not be used for infusion of radiological
contrast medium during CT or MR. Damage to the external part of
the catheter may occur because of inappropriate care of the catheter exit site (e.g., using scissors when changing the dressing;
chemical damage to the silicone due to inappropriate use of organic
solvents; chemical damage of PUR due to the inappropriate use of
ethanol). Damage to PICCs and tunneled catheters can usually be
repaired with specic repair kits; for short-term non-tunneled
CVCs, exchange over a guide wire is more cost-effective.
A new specic mechanical complication whose incidence is
rapidly increasing is the rupture of the external portion of the
catheters (most frequently, silicone catheters) due to inappropriate
use of the central line for infusion of contrast medium at high
pressure by power injectors, during MR or CT scan. A specic
warning of the FDA recommends utilizing power injectors only on

peripheral short cannulas or specic venous access devices which
have been certied to resist such high pressures (so-called pressure injectable or power devices).
For totally implantable devices, the choice of the port size and
its proper positioning are of paramount importance in the
prevention of future complications. The necessary non-coring
needles (Huber needles) should not be left in place for more than
a week (Grade C). Erosion or damage to the skin above the port
occurs frequently, and is usually secondary to (a) error during
placement (choice of too big a port, or positioning of the port in an
area of the body where there is an inadequate layer of subcutaneous fat), or to (b) inappropriate nursing (e.g., a Huber needle left
in place for more than a week).
Appropriate catheter stabilization plays a major role in reducing
the incidence of local complications at the exit site and the risk of
dislocations. Stitches should not be used routinely: whenever
possible, the catheter should be stabilized using a manufactured
catheter stabilization device (Grade C). Dislocation of non-tunneled
catheters (central and PICC) is usually secondary to inappropriate
securing of the catheter at the moment of insertion or to inadequate
care of the catheter exit site. Products used to stabilize the catheter
may include sterile tapes, and surgical strips, but whenever feasible
using a manufactured catheter stabilization device (e.g., Statlock) is
preferred (Grade C). Stitches should not be used routinely (BCSH
2006), since they increase the risk of local thrombosis/phlebitis (in
PICCs), as well as the risk of CRBSI (in CVCs) and the risk of dislocation
and local infection of the exit site (in all devices) (Grade C).
Dislocation of tunneled catheters can be prevented by locating
the cuff at least 2.5 cm inside the tunnel (or more, according to the
manufacturers instruction), and securing the catheter preferably
with a manufactured catheter stabilization device for at least 34
weeks.
The so-called pinch-off syndrome is a compression of a large
bore silicone catheter tunneled or connected to an implantable
port between the clavicle and the rst rib, typically secondary to
blind percutaneous placement of the catheter in the subclavian
vein via the infraclavicular route. The compression may lead
to malfunction, obstruction, damage and even fracture of the
catheter, with embolization of part of it into the pulmonary
vascular bed. It is a potentially severe complication, yet apparently
preventable simply by avoiding placement of silicone catheters via
the blind infraclavicular venepuncture of the subclavian vein
(Grade C).
The tip of a central venous catheter should be positioned in the
lower third of the superior vena cava, or at the atrio-caval
junction, or in the upper portion of the right atrium (Grade A). Tip
migration is a complication of silicone long-term catheters: this is
also termed secondary malposition, and it usually happens when
too short a catheter (with its tip in the upper third of superior vena
cava) dislocates because of an increase in thoracic pressure or
vigorous physical activity drawing the tip out of the vena cava and
allowing it to ick back into an unsuitable position in the
innominate vein of the opposite side or retrovertly into one of the
jugular veins. It can be prevented by initial correct positioning of
the catheter tip.
12. Are there evidence-based recommendations regarding
prevention, diagnosis or treatment of thrombotic
complications?
Thrombosis is avoided by the use of insertion technique
designed to limit damage to the vein including: ultrasound
guidance (Grade C), choice of a catheter with the smallest caliber
compatible with the infusion therapy needed (Grade B), position
of the tip of the catheter at or near to the atrio-caval junction

(Grade B). Prophylaxis with a daily subcutaneous dose of low
molecular weight heparin is effective only in patients at high risk
for thrombosis (Grade C).
Comments: As regards the prevention of catheter-related
central venous thrombosis, to date, to our knowledge, no
randomized trials have investigated the relationships between
insertion techniques in the long-term setting (e.g., percutaneous
versus venous cut-down, US-guided versus anatomic landmark
techniques) and central venous thrombosis rate. Prospective,
unrandomized, studies have however suggested that minimizing
insertion damage to the vein wall, as obtained with US-guidance,
helps to yield a low rate of subsequent thrombotic events (Grade C).
In vitro and ex vivo data conrm that silicone, and 2nd and 3rd
generation polyurethane catheters are less thrombogenic than
polyethylene or PVC ones, and should be preferred for long-term
use (Grade C).
A lower-diameter catheter with a single-lumen may be protective against the risk of central venous thrombosis. When the
number of therapies demands a multiple lumen catheter, it is recommended that the number of lumens is minimized (Grade C).
Although some reports suggest that central venous catheters
positioned on the left side may be associated with a higher risk of
thrombosis if compared to the right side, there is not enough
evidence to give recommendations in this regard. Evidence from
several prospective studies, indicated that tip position was the
main independent prognostic factor for malfunction, thrombosis,
and reduced duration of the device. The atrio-caval junction
appears to be the optimal position of the catheter tip, as it minimizes the risk of central venous thrombotic events (Grade B).
Although some early trials suggested a benet of oral, low-dose
daily warfarin or daily doses of subcutaneous low molecular weight
heparins (LMWH), more recent randomized, double-blind, placebo
controlled, and sufciently powered trials did not nd any advantages for either of these prevention strategies. The decision to start
prophylaxis against venous thromboembolic events in patients
with CVCs, for that reason only, remains unsupported by evidence
even in those with underlying malignancy. Prophylaxis with a daily
single dose of LMWH 100 IU/kg in those on PN with neoplasia or
chronic inammatory disease, or those with a family or personal
past history of idiopathic venous thrombotic events, is however
reasonable (Grade C).
Treatment of catheter-related central venous thrombosis should
normally include (a) careful removal of the catheter, only if infected
or malpositioned or obstructed (Grade B); (b) in acute symptomatic
cases, local or systemic thrombolysis; (c) in subacute and chronic
symptomatic cases, anticoagulant treatment with LMWH (Grade C).
Catheter removal or maintenance does not appear to inuence the
outcome of the thrombosis; indeed, the presence of the catheter
might be useful for local thrombolytic treatment, when indicated.
Moreover there is a risk of embolization of clot partially attached to
the catheter which may easily become dislodged during catheter
removal. The catheter should be removed in the case of infected
thrombus, when the tip is malpositioned, and if occlusion proves
irreversible (Grade C). The use of thrombolytic drugs is best supported in acute symptomatic cases (diagnosis <24 h after the rst
symptoms) and the efcacy of systemic versus local thrombolysis is
still a matter of debate, especially for large thrombi (Grade C).
Chronic symptomatic central venous thrombosis should be treated
with LMWH and then oral anticoagulants, or LMWH long-term
alone, depending on the clinical setting. Compared with warfarin,
the LMWHs exhibit a superior safety prole and more predictable
antithrombotic effects and can usually be given once daily in
a single dose without the need for monitoring (Grade C).
375
Venous thrombosis (local or more seldom central) is occasionally associated with PICCs; it is apparently a multifactorial
phenomenon, inuenced by the caliber of the catheter,63 the
technique of placement (US-guided versus blind), the vein cannulated (cephalic versus brachial versus basilic), the position of the
tip, the stabilization technique (Statlock versus tape versus
stitches), the type of treatment,64 and factors related to the patient
and the underlying disease. Preventative measures are discussed
above: PICCs should not be inserted in paretic or immobilized arms,
since the risk of thrombosis is particularly high in these conditions
(Grade C).
The brin sleeve (or brin sheath) is a sleeve derived from
broblastic tissue which slowly covers the intraluminal and
extraluminal surfaces of long-term catheters; it may be unapparent, but can be associated with a persistent problem with
Table 1
Guidelines on venous access and venous access devices produced by other national
and international bodies. The topics have been widely and repeatedly addressed
with considerable conformity in the major conclusions. They are included here to
demonstrate this, and also (through their own citation of primary publications) to
help limit an otherwise very lengthy list of primary sources.
ACS 2008 American College of Surgeons. Statement on recommendations for
uniform use of real-time ultrasound guidance for placement of central venous
catheters. 2008. http://www.facs.org/fellows_info/statements/st-60.html
AVA 2008 Association for Vascular Access. Position Statement on the Use of RealTime Imaging Modalities for Placement of Central Venous Access Devices. 2008.
www.avainfo.org
ASPEN 2002 ASPEN Board of Directors and the Clinical Guidelines Task Force:
Guidelines for the use of parenteral and enteral nutrition in adult and pediatric
patients. JPEN 2002, vol. 26 (n. 1, suppl.): pp. 36SA-37SA
ASPEN 2004 Task Force for the Revision of Safe Practices for Parenteral Nutrition:
Safe Practices for Parenteral Nutrition. JPEN 2004, Vol. 8, n. 6: pp. S40S70
AUSPEN 2008 Gillanders L, Angstmann K, Ball P et al.: AuSPEN clinical practice
guideline for home parenteral nutrition patients in Australia and New Zealand.
Nutrition 2008, 24: 9981012.
BCSH 2006 British Committee for Standards in Haematology: Guidelines on the
insertion and management of central venous access devices in adults. Published
in 2006 and diffused by the British Society for Haematology, 100 White Lion
Street, London. Available on www.evanetwork.info
CDC 2002 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidelines for the
Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections. MMWR 2002; 51(No.
RR-10): pp. 132. Available on www.evanetwork.info
EPIC 2007 Pratt RJ, Pellowe CM, Wilson JA et al.: EPIC2: National Evidence-Based
Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in
England. Journal of Hospital Infection (2007) 65S, S1S64. Available on www.
evanetwork.info
GAVeCeLT 2007 Campisi C, Bif R, Pittiruti M and the GAVeCeLT Committee for the
Consensus: Catheter-Related Central Venous Thrombosis The Development of
a Nationwide Consensus Paper in Italy. JAVA 2007, Vol 12 (No 1): pp. 3846.
Available on www.evanetwork.info
IDSA 2001 Mermel LA, Farr BM, Sherertz RJ at al.: Guidelines for the Management
of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2001;
32:124972. Available on www.evanetwork.info
INS 2006 Infusion Nurses Society: Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice. Journal
of Infusion Nursing, vol. 29 (suppl. 1): pp. S1S92.
NICE 2002 National Institute for Clinical Excellence: Guidance on the use of
ultrasound locating devices for placing central venous catheters. September 2002.
Published and diffused by National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 11 Strand,
London. Available on www.nice.org.uk and on www.evanetwork.info
RCN 2005 Royal College of Nursing I.V. Therapy Forum: Standards for infusion
therapy. November 2005. Published by the Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish
Square, London. Available on www.rcn.org.uk and on www.evanetwork.info
RNAO 2004 Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Nursing Best Practice
Guidelines Project: Assessment and Device Selection for Vascular Access. May
2004. Published and diffused by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 111
Richmond Street West, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Available on www.
rnao.org/bestpractices and on www.evanetwork.info
SINPE 2002 Linee Guida SINPE per la Nutrizione Articiale Ospedaliera. RINPE
2002, anno 20 (suppl. 5): pp. S21S22, pp. S29S33
SHEA/IDSA 2008 SHEA/IDSA practice recommendations Strategies to Prevent
Central LineAssociated Bloodstream Infections in Acute Care Hospitals. Infect
Control Hosp Epidemiol 2008; 29: S22S30.
376
withdrawal from, or complete occlusion of the catheter. Its pathogenesis is unknown and there are not enough data to formulate
evidence-based recommendations with regards to its prevention
and treatment.
Conict of interest
Conict of interest on le at ESPEN (espenjournals@espen.org).
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Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

ESPEN Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition: Central Venous Catheters

Catholic University Hospital, Roma, Italy

General recommendations about the indications for and the

atrium) is needed in most patients who are candidates for

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Summary of statements: Central Venous Catheters

Choice of route for intravenous

Choice of PN catheter device

Choice of vein for PN

There is compelling evidence that ultrasound-guided venepuncture (by real-time ultrasonography) is

Position of CVC tip

Choice of material for CVC

Reducing the risk of catheter-related

Evidence indicates that the risk of catheter-related infection is reduced by:

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Treatment of catheter-related sepsis

Treatment of catheter-related sepsis

Routine care of central catheters

Prevention of line occlusion

Home PN should not be given only via short catheters, as these

percutaneous technique, or2 in the deep veins of the midarm, with

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

High approaches to the internal jugular vein (either anterior or

Comments: Central venous access devices (i.e., venous devices

Comments: Short-term non-tunneled CVC and Hohn catheters

3. Which is the preferred site for placement of a central

4. Which is the best technique for placement of a central

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

safety practices, identifying US-guidance for CVC placement as one

In selected patients (such as when there is obstruction of the

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Use of maximal barrier precautions during insertion

Some interventions are not effective in reducing the risk of

Comments: Tunneled catheters and totally implanted venous

occurred had multi-lumen catheters been used. Though further

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

However, previous evidence suggested that non-tunneled catheters

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Antiseptic should be allowed to air dry; organic solvents, e.g.,

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

Comments: The cornerstones of diagnosis and treatment of

Comments: With regards to long-term venous access devices

10. Should the catheter be routinely ushed and if so which

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

authors suggest using a range of concentration between 50 and

warning of the FDA recommends utilizing power injectors only on

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

of the tip of the catheter at or near to the atrio-caval junction

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

23. Parkinson R, Gandhi M, Harper J, Archibald C. Establishing an ultrasound

M. Pittiruti et al. / Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009) 365377

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